Thanks to much of what we hear in the media, cleansing or detoxing has earned a reputation for being unhealthy and even unsafe. When you hear the word “cleanse” or “detox,” so you immediately think of all-liquid diets, expensive supplements and short-term deprivation for short-term gains?
The truth is, a cleanse doesn’t have to involve any of the above—and if you cleanse in a healthy, supportive manner, you can achieve lasting results in weight loss, energy gain and full-body health.
The following are four myths you may have heard about cleansing or detoxing. Understandably, these myths may cause you to be hesitant to try a cleanse.
Keep reading to find out the truth behind these myths and why detoxing might be just what your body is craving.
Myth # 1: You won’t enjoy anything you’re eating while on a cleanse or detox.
While you might have to eliminate certain foods that you enjoy, cleansing isn’t all about eating lettuce with a drizzle of olive oil. There are many delicious recipes that can be prepared using healthy ingredients that not only taste amazing but nourish and cleanse your body.
The best part is, many of them don’t involve any fancy ingredients and can be prepared even by a cooking novice. In fact, my cleanse participants always discover new foods and recipes that they absolutely love that have become staples in their diets long after the detox ends.
Myth #2: You’ll constantly be hungry while cleansing.
While you might end up consuming fewer calories while following a cleanse or detox, you shouldn’t feel deprived or hungry. Going on an extremely low-calorie diet can actually disrupt your hormones and metabolism, making your body less efficient in the long run.
Everyone’s caloric needs are different, so a detox should never dictate how many calories you consume. By consuming whole foods that provide you with the right nutrients, you help cleanse your body while feeling satisfied. My participants are always amazed that they never feel hungry during my detoxes.
Myth #3: You need to do an all-liquid cleanse or detox to remove toxins from your body.
Liquid-only cleanses or detoxes have had more than their fair share of popularity. These types of cleanses can backfire: Not only do people often gain the weight back as soon as the detox ends, but such restrictive eating for several days can be detrimental to your health. An effective cleanse will include a variety of whole foods to help nourish your body and produce long-term results.
Myth #4: Cleanses are just a way for people to make money on expensive supplements.
Supplements involved in a cleanse should be just that, a supplementary part of the program, not the primary source of your nutrition. While on a cleanse, you get most of your vitamins and minerals from whole-food sources.
Supplements may be recommended to help your body make the most of the nutrients it receives from these foods. For example, by including probiotics in your diet, you help your body produce vitamins, absorb minerals and remove toxins from the body. Magnesium is another helpful mineral that many people are deficient in for various reasons. It has been suggested by some studies that as many as 75% of Americans do not meet the dietary requirements for this mineral. Magnesium is important for many processes in the body including regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure. It is also essential in making protein, bone, and DNA.
Aside from the benefits discussed above, cleansing is an incredibly effective way to identify if you have any food sensitivities, balance your hormones, and establish healthy habits for the long term.
I’ve worked with cleanse participants who not only have lost weight and kept it off, but who have also seen their energy level skyrocket, their skin clear up and even their allergies disappear.
Are you ready to discover the benefits of healthy cleansing for yourself?
Click here to learn more about my upcoming Body Confidence Cleanse.
It starts on Monday June 29th. Register by Monday June 22nd to save $50.
What questions or concerns do you have about participating in a cleanse?
Before you try something new, like a cleanse, it’s normal to feel hesitant. I want to hear from you. Email me at mpatterson@mandypatterson.com. I read every email that comes into my inbox and I promise to email you back personally.
